When I first whipped up this homemade strawberry lemonade, I instantly fell in love with how vibrant it tasted. The fresh strawberries combined with the zing of lemons created a drink that felt like sunshine in a glass. It brought so much joy on a warm afternoon that I just had to share it with friends and family.
With its perfect balance of sweet and tart, this refreshing drink has become a favorite in my kitchen. If you’re looking for a simple way to brighten your day, this strawberry lemonade is exactly what you need.
Ingredients
- 8 large ripe strawberries, halved
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 7 cups water, divided
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
Note: This drink makes approximately 12 servings.
Time Required
Preparing this strawberry lemonade takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You can serve it immediately or chill it for a few hours to make it even more refreshing.
Equipment You Need
- Blender – To puree the strawberries into a smooth blend.
- Pitcher – For mixing and serving the lemonade.
- Juicer – To extract fresh juice from the lemons effortlessly.
- Measuring cups – For accurate quantities of water, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Spoon – To stir everything together thoroughly.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade?
Creating this strawberry lemonade is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you make the best batch possible.
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by prepping the strawberries. Rinse them thoroughly, hull them, and slice them into halves for easier blending. Toss the strawberries into a blender, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, and pour in 1 cup of water. Blend everything until the texture is perfectly smooth. Take a moment to admire the vibrant red color and inhale the fruity aroma!
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the freshly blended strawberry mixture into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 6 cups of water to the pitcher, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. You’ll need about 6–8 lemons to get 2 cups of juice, so make sure to have those ready! Stir in 1 cup of sugar, and taste the mixture to check the balance of sweetness and tartness. If you find it a bit tart, don’t be shy to adjust the sugar to your liking.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Once all the ingredients are combined, pop the pitcher into the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour. This step isn’t just about cooling; it also allows the flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, fill your favorite glasses with ice and pour the strawberry lemonade over. Garnish with a lemon slice or a whole strawberry on the rim for extra flair.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you’re getting in each serving of this delectable drink:
- Calories: 87
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 0g
This recipe provides a delicious burst of flavor while keeping things relatively light.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some handy tips from my experience that will help you make the most out of this recipe:
- Choose Sweet Strawberries: The sweeter your strawberries are, the more vibrant the flavor of your lemonade. If they’re not sweet enough, you might need to add a touch more sugar.
- Juicing Lemons Made Easier: Before juicing, roll your lemons firmly on a countertop for about 20 seconds. This makes it easier to extract the juice. If you want to go the extra mile, microwave the lemons for 15 seconds to loosen the juice inside.
- Make a Simple Syrup: For those who want their sugar to blend seamlessly, dissolve it in some warm water before adding it to the pitcher. This avoids any grit at the bottom of your drink.
- Double the Strawberries: If you’re a strawberry fanatic like me, add a few extra to enhance the fruity flavor even more.
- Swap in Sparkling Water: Want a fizzy twist? Replace some of the regular water with sparkling water for a bubbly treat.
- Freeze Strawberry Ice Cubes: For a fun presentation, freeze some strawberry puree in an ice cube tray. Drop a few into your drinks to keep them cool without diluting the flavor.
This strawberry lemonade recipe will quickly become your go-to for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or just a relaxing afternoon. Its simplicity is only outdone by how incredibly refreshing it is, making it a drink you’ll want to make again and again. Cheers to enjoying every sip!
Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 large ripe strawberries halved
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 7 cups water divided
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup white sugar adjust to taste
Instructions
- Start by prepping the strawberries. Rinse them thoroughly, hull them, and slice them into halves for easier blending. Toss the strawberries into a blender, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, and pour in 1 cup of water. Blend everything until the texture is perfectly smooth. Take a moment to admire the vibrant red color and inhale the fruity aroma!
- Pour the freshly blended strawberry mixture into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 6 cups of water to the pitcher, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. You’ll need about 6–8 lemons to get 2 cups of juice, so make sure to have those ready! Stir in 1 cup of sugar, and taste the mixture to check the balance of sweetness and tartness. If you find it a bit tart, don’t be shy to adjust the sugar to your liking.
- Once all the ingredients are combined, pop the pitcher into the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour. This step isn’t just about cooling; it also allows the flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, fill your favorite glasses with ice and pour the strawberry lemonade over. Garnish with a lemon slice or a whole strawberry on the rim for extra flair.
Notes
- Choose Sweet Strawberries: The sweeter your strawberries are, the more vibrant the flavor of your lemonade. If they’re not sweet enough, you might need to add a touch more sugar.
- Juicing Lemons Made Easier: Before juicing, roll your lemons firmly on a countertop for about 20 seconds. This makes it easier to extract the juice. If you want to go the extra mile, microwave the lemons for 15 seconds to loosen the juice inside.
- Make a Simple Syrup: For those who want their sugar to blend seamlessly, dissolve it in some warm water before adding it to the pitcher. This avoids any grit at the bottom of your drink.
